Portable folding table with lock means



Oct. 9, 1956 H. R. NEELSEN 2,766,089

PORTABLE FOLDING TABLE WITH LOCK MEANS Filed Jan. 2, 1953 I INVENTOR 3 R Hare/d Mia/sen ATTORNEY 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 9, 1956 H. R. NIELSEN 3,756,089

PORTABLE FOLDING TABLE WITH LOCK MEANS Filed Jan. 2, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 'Ha rev/ d Nie/sen 26 BY m ATTORNEY 1956 H. R. NIELSEN PORTABLE FOLDING TABLE WITH LOCK MEANS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 2, 1955 Harold 6. Nielsen BY (@qnm ATTORNEY Oct. 9, 1956 H. R. NIELSEN PORTABLE, FOLDING TABLE WITH LOCK MEANS Filed Jan. 2, was

4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR ATTORNEY other leg section.

United States Patent This invention relates to an improvement in portable folding tables wherein it is space when not in use.

Many churches, schools and auditoriums haverooms which are used for eating purposes from time'to'time, but ordinarily are used for other purposes. For example, many schools time to time for banquets, dinners, luncheons and the like. Various types of tables have been constructed which may be used for purposes Most such tables are not readily portable and require the services of at least two p'ers'onsin' putting up the table or putting it away.

An object of the present inventionlies' in the provision of a sectional table which includes a plurality of. sections hingcdly connected together and in supporting these sections in such a way that they may be easily folded by one, person. As a result a table which is of sufficient size to comfortably seat several persons may .be folded leg units of the two sections together, thetable may be quickly and easily folded and rolled into a storage position.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a sectional. table .in which each section is which is hingedly connected to the table top at a point intermediate .the endslthereof. As a result the ends of the table tend to counter-balance the center portion of the table, making the table easily foldable by one person.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a sectional table including two *pivotally connected table sections which 'arefoldab'le from a common plane to a substantially parallel relation and in supporting each section by a self-sustaining leg'section which may be foldedinto overlapping'relati'on with an- In other words, when. the two leg means is provided for holding the 'braces'in" a prede- These'bra'ces may" termined relation to the central-leg.

the table includes and inwardly diverging allel portions 25 and 26 are main 'iatented 001:. 9, 1956 therefore hold the table in flat condition so that the table tops can not tilt out of horizontal position when the lock is in place.

Theseandother objects and novel features of my invention will be more clearly and fully set forth in the following specification and claims.

In the drawings forming Figure 3 is aside elevation view of the table when the tabletop sections are folded into generally parallel relation.

Figure 4 is an elevation view of the table at right angles to the view shown in Figure 3.

' ,the braces connectingthis section with the table tops.

Figure 8 is a side elevationvie'w of a modified form of table.

Figure 9 is a top plan view 'of this construction. Figure 10' is a front'elevation view of the table in folded condition.

' Figure 11 is a side elevational view form of table in partially folded positionl Figure 12 is a sectional view through a portion of the table, thepositionof the section'being indicated by the line 12*12 of Figure 8. Figure 13 is a sectional view through a'portionof the construction, the position of the section being indicated by the line 1313 of Figure 12.

The portable foldable table is indicated in general by the letter A. As illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings, a pair of table tops 10 and 1 1. A as 12 is preferably provided beneath top sections.

of the modified is hingedly connected at 16 to the tabletop 10. A similar leg unit 17 is hingedly connected at '19 to the' table top 11. Both of the leg units are similarly constructed and both leg units are self-supporting to the extent that each leg unit remains in upright position regardless of is bent at each of its ends 21 and 22 to form d'ownwardly brace portions 23 and 24 respectrvely. The brace portions 23and'24 are 'bent to provide parallel porti0ns25 and 26 which maybe spot welded'or otherwise secured together. The lower ends of the parbent "to diverge downwardly and outwardly asindicated'at 27 and 29.

31 and 32. The lower extremities of the downwardly extending portions 31 and 32 are bifurcated to provide notches 33 and 34 respectively for accommodating rollers 35 and 36. A pivot pin 37 may extend through'the bifurcated lower end of e'a'ch'legand through the roller 35 to provide a pivotal support therefor. Alternatively, casters may be inserted in the tubular lower ends of each leg.

The lower extremities of the downwardly diverging portions 27 and 29 are spot welded or otherwise secured to the cross member 30 in the manner illustrated in Figure 5. All of the parts of the construction described to this point are substantially in a common plane when the leg unit is viewed from the side.

In order to make each of the leg units self-sustaining, a longitudinally extending member is secured to each cross member 30. The leg unit 15 is provided with a longitudinally extending member 39 which is provided with two down-turned ends 40 and 41 which are either bifurcated to accommodate rollers 42 and 43, or else are socketed to accommodate casters. The leg unit 17 is similarly provided with a longitudinally extending brace member 44 which is provided with down-turned ends 45 and 46 which are bifurcated to accommodate rollers 47 and 49, or else are socketed to accommodate casters. Thus it will be seen that in each leg unit, rollers are provided forwardly and rearwardly of the plane of the central portion of the leg unit so that each leg; unit is self-sustaining and will remain in an upright position at all times.

From Figures 3, 4, and of the drawings, it will be seen that the longitudinally extending leg unit member 39 is positioned on one side of the transverse center of the table, while the other longitudinally extending member 44 of the leg unit 17 is secured to its leg unit on the other side of the transverse center of the table. As a result, when the two leg un'ts are moved toward one another, the members 39 and 44 will telescope or will overlap so that the upright portions of the two leg units may be moved relatively close together.

The center leg unit is indicated in general by the numeral 50. This center leg unit includes a vertical post 51 which is anchored at its upper end to the cross member 12 which is hingedly connected to the table tops. braces 52 and 53 are secured to the post 51 near its upper extremity and extend upwardly and outwardly to be secured in the cross member 12 at points laterally spaced from the center post 51. At the lower extremity of the center post 51 is provided a roller supporting member 54 which is identical to the roller supporting members 30 of the leg units 15 and 17. In other words, the cross member 54 extends laterally of the table and is bent downwardly at its extremity to engage the floor. The ends of the cross member 54 may be provided with rounded extremities to merely slide upon the floor, or may support rollers or casters in the manner of the other leg units. However, as the central leg unit is usually out of contact with the floor when the table is being moved to any extent, the casters and rollers are not of great importance at this point.

As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings, a collar 55 is slidably supported upon the post 51 for vertical movement thereupon. A pair of spaced cars 56 extend from one side of the collar 55 and a second pair of spaced cars 57 are arranged on the opposite side thereof from the ears 56. The cars 56 are spaced sufficiently to accommodate a brace 59 therebetween which is pivotally connected to the cars at 60. The cars 57 are likewise spaced sufiiciently to accommodate a brace 61 which is pivotally connected to the cars at 62. A pair of spaced cars 63 project downwardly from the table top and a similar pair of cars 64 extend downwardly from the table top 11. The brace 59 extends between the cars 63 and is pivotally connected thereto at 65. The brace 61 extends between the cars 64 and is pivotally connected thereto at 66. Thus the collar 55 is hingedly connected to a brace which in turn is connected to each table top section.

As best indicated in Figure 7 of the drawings, an additional pair of cars 67 extend from the collar 55 at right angles to the ears 56 and 57. A locking lever 69 is hingedly connected at 70 between the cars 67. The lock.

Inclined locking lever may siderably spaced ,sections 10 and 11. The over-hanging ends of the table ures 3 and 4 of the drawings until casters may "19 by the hinge ss.

ing lever 69 is provided with an angularly extending end 71 which is designed to extend into a recess or socket 72 in the post 51. A spring 73 normally biases the locking lever 69 into locking position. Obviously, the be disconnected from the socket 72 by pivoting the lever in a clockwise direction about the pivot 70 against the tension of the spring 73.

The table thus described may pivot between two extreme positions, one of which is illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings, and the other of which is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 thereof. When the table is in the position illustrated in Figure 1, the table top sections 10 and 11 are arranged in a common plane and the leg units 15, 17, and 50 are in vertical parallel relation. The

.braces 59 and 61 are so arranged as to hold the central leg unit in a vertical position and when the table tops are horizontal, the locking lever extremity 71 is engaged in the socket 72.

With the collar 55 thus locked from movement upon the central leg unit, the two table top sections are locked from hinging movement. This feature is important as the leg units 15 and 17 are preferably hinged at a point confrom the ends 74 and 75 of the table top top sections act to at least partially counter-balance the weight of the table top portions between the leg units 15 and 17 so as to permit the easy folding of the table when the locking lever is released.

When it is desired to fold the table into an operative form, the locking lever 69 is released so that the collar 55 may move longitudinally of the post 51. By raising upwardly on the center portion of the table, the table top section 10 will hinge in one direction and the table top section 11 will hinge in the opposite direction so that the joint between the table tops moves upwardly. As indicated in Figure 4 of the drawings, the two table tops 10 and 11 may fold into substantially parallel relation in folded condition. In this position the extremity 71 of the locking lever 72 may engage in a second aperture 76 in the post 51 to hold the structure folded. The table will then remain in the folded condition illustrated in Figthe locking lever is disengaged.

It will be noted that as the table leg supports 15 and 17 move into close relationship. This feature is also of importance as it permits the leg units to be stable and at the same time permits the table to be stored in a relatively small space.

In Figures 8 through 13 of the drawings, I disclose a modified form of table construction which has certain features of advantage over the previously described construction. As described, each table section of the table A is supported by four casters. In the event the floor on which the table is supported is somewhat uneven, the four not all rest upon the floor simultaneously, causing the table to rock slightly. The table B is in many respects similar to the previously described construction, but has the advantage that each table section is supported upon a portable support mounted upon three spaced casters or rollers.

The table B includes a pair of table top sections 79 and 80 which are shown as being generally rectangular .in form. The section 79 is connected by a hinge 81 to a center transverse support 82. The table top section 80 is also connected to the central support 82 by a hinge 83. The hinges 81 and 83 extend in parallel relation so that the two sections may hinge simultaneously.

' The table top section 79 is provided with a transverse support 84 which is hingedly connected to the section A standard 86 extends downwardly from the transverse support 84 and is connected at its lower extremity between a pair of curved arms 87 and .3 indicated in Figure 90f the drawings the curved arms 87 and 89 are connected together at their forward extremity as indicated at 90 and diverge apart so that the other ends of the arms are spaced apart a substantial distance. Casters 91 and 92 are provided at the extremities of the arms 87 and 89 and a third caster 93 is supported near the juncture 90 of these arms. As indicated in Figure 9 of the drawings, the arms are not centered. The joined ends 90 thereof being to one side of the longitudinal center of the table top sections.

The top section 80 is hingedly secured at 94 to a cross brace 95 which is located at the upper extremity of a standard 96. The standard 96 is supported by a pair of curved arms 97 and 99 as illustrated in Figure 9. One end of each arm extends into substantial contact with the other arm forming an integral end 100. The other ends of the arms diverge apart and support casters 101 and 102 at their extremities. The joined ends 100 of the arms also support a third caster 103.

It will be noted that the joined ends of the arms and the leg structure is oil-set from the longitudinal center of the table tops, the leg unit supporting the section 79 being on one side of the longitudinal center and the other leg unit supporting the section 80 being on the opposite side of the longitudinal center.

A pair of cars 105 extend downwardly from the table section 79 in spaced relation and act to support a brace arm 106 therebetween. A similar pair of ears 107 project downwardly in spaced relation from the table top arm 109. A link 113 is pivotally connected to the lug 111 and a similar link 114 is pivotally connected to the lug 112. The two links 113 and 114 are pivotally con- A lug 120 extends downwardly from the mounting plate 116 at a point spaced from one end of the socket 119. A slidable latch bolt 121 extends through the lug 120 and through one side of the socket 119. A spring 122 is interposed between a fixed washer 123 on the latch bolt 121 and the lug 120 to urge the latch bolt into the socket 119.

The links 113 and 114 are ends 124 and 125 which by the socket 119. In entering the socket the relative movement between the socket and the knee joint between the links 113 and 114 acts to retract the latch bolt 121 against the tension of the spring 122 and the tapered end of this latch enters into the interior of the tubular rivet 126 to hold the knee joint engaged in the socket 119.

When it is desired to fold the table so that it may be in storage, it is only necessary to retract ter of the table. This acts to withdraw the links 113 and 114 from the socket 119. The top sections 79 and 80 pivot about their hinges 85 and 94 respectively, the

alongside of the joined ends of the of the arms 97 and 99 so that the two carriages which support the standards may telescope. As a result the standards 86 and 96 may fold into close relationship in the folded position of the structure. During this operation the braces 106 and 109 fold downwardly and the links 113 and 1114 fold toward side by side relation.

It is recognized that the complete table is supported upon six rollers or casters. However, each individual carriage is supported upon three rollers or casters so that each carriage is at all times resting upon the floor at three spaced points, thus firmly supporting the connected top section. Because of the length of the top sections, there is of necessity a certain slight flexibility or resilience between the sections and accordingly both carriages will rest firmly upon the floor unless the floor is extremely uneven.

In accordance with the patent statutes, I have described the principles of construction and operation of my portable folding tables, and while I have endeavored to set forth the best embodiments thereof, I desire to have it understood that obvious changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A table including a pair of table top sections, means hingedly connecting said sections together, carriage means one of said brace arms being pivotally connected to each table top section, a link pivotally connected to each brace arm, said links being pivotally connected together and extending upwardly from References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 586,112 Beloin July 13, 1897 827,578 Sparkman July 31, 1906 861,810 Coblentz July 30, 1907 1,093,274 Lancaster Apr. 14, 1914 1,527,941 Weidner June 2, 1931 1,808,305 Howe June 2, 1931 1,854,981 Caverly Apr. 19, 1932 1,930,176 Metzler Oct. 10, 1933 2,203,394 Schieber June 4, 1940 2,257,522 Bailey Sept. 30, 1941 2,318,458 Boren May 4, 1943 2,491,827 Morello Dec. 20, 1949 2,514,319 Erickson July 4, 1950 2,544,228 Hoppe Mar. 6, 1951 2,546,283 Webster Mar. 27, 1951 2,607,647 Howe Apr. 19, 1952 2,633,395 Zenner Mar. 31, 1953 2,650,146 Mugler Aug. 25, 1953 

